Comprehensive archive regarding Jack London's popular novel White Fang, released in 1906 as a companion to his best-known work, The Call of the Wild. This rich literary archive traces the origins, publication, and legacy of Jack London’s classic novel White Fang, conceived as a 'companion story' to The Call of the Wild. It includes a remarkable 1904 autograph letter signed by London, in which he outlines his vision for a reverse narrative—a tale of a wild wolf-dog's gradual civilization. Also featured are a memorandum outlining terms for White Fang's publication in Great Britain, and later correspondence from London's estate, managing reprints and the distribution of royalties. Together, these materials offer a vivid portrait of the creative and commercial life of one of London’s most enduring works.
Includes:
ALS signed "Jack London," six pages, 9.25 x 6, stamp-dated December 6, 1904. Handwritten letter to Richard Watson Gilder, editor of The Century, in which London announces his plan for a companion to The Call of the Wild. In full: "Say, I've got an idea of writing a story, a companion book to the 'Call of the Wild.' I shall begin it three or four months from now. This is distinctly not to be a sequel. It is to be a companion story—literally, a contrast story. I am going to reverse the idea of the 'Call of the Wild.' Instead of tracing the devolution, the decivilization of a dog, I'm going to trace the evolution, the civilization of a dog. I shall take the dog, a half-wolf, at the very beginning, in its puppyhood, in the most savage of environments. Let it grow up in that environment, & there have it step by step begin the journey which ultimately lands it in California. The development of morality, faithfulness, love, etc., etc., gives a good opportunity. Of course, it will be just as concrete & realistic as 'Call of the Wild.' I am confident I can make a crackerjack of it. Now, outside of you, I've mentioned this only to Mr. Brett. So don't say anything about it. If it comes, it would be well to leave it come as a surprise. And now, what all this letter is about is this: do you think you'd care to tackle it for the 'Century'? And if so, what would it be worth to you. In conclusion I'll say this, & say it flatly, the story positively will be no longer than 40,000 words, and the chances are it will be nearer 35,000 than 40,000." He adds a postscript: "I'm still monkeying with this play I'm writing, and so am not turning out any more short stories for the time being."
Manuscript cable sent by London to his British literary agents A. P. Watt & Son, clerically signed on his behalf, one page, 7.5 x 9.5, Direct United States Cable Company Limited letterhead, stamp-dated June 29, 1906. London directs his agents to draw up an agreement with Methuen & Co. for the publication of White Fang with a one-word reply: "Yes."
Memorandum of agreement between Jack London and Methuen & Co., two pages, 8 x 10, July 9, 1906. Drawn up by agents A. P. Watt & Son, the contract includes many illuminating details about the publication of a "new book at present entitled 'White Fang' written by the Author the nominal selling price of which shall be six shillings." London is to receive a royalty of 20% for the first 5,000 copies sold, increasing to 25% thereafter. London is promised an advance of £350, and retains "the serial rights, all American and Canadian rights, and the rights of translation and dramatisation."
Four letters to A. P. Watt from London's estate, dated from 1924 to 1940, concerning reprints of the book and the disposition of royalties, including three ALSs by London's sister, Eliza London Shepard, and one by his son, Irving Shepard. In one of Eliza's letters, she writes: "Mrs. London & myself are both very much opposed to the cutting down idea—as 'White Fang' is a book that is hard to cut, but if this has to be done, Mrs. London would like to have the book as cut submitted to her before printing." In other letters, Eliza expresses confidence in Watt's negotiations for royalties and agrees to a £20 advance for White Fang. In Irving's letter, he notifies Watt of Eliza's death and informs them that he will assume responsibilities for London's literary estate.
In overall fine condition.
White Fang by Jack London, published in 1906, is a novel that explores the wildness and domestication of a wolf-dog hybrid in the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush. The story follows White Fang’s journey from the brutal wilderness to life under human care, highlighting themes of survival, nature versus nurture, and the transformative power of kindness. A companion to London’s earlier novel The Call of the Wild, White Fang indeed reverses the trajectory—showing an animal’s gradual movement from savagery to civilization.
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